NEWARK – Attorney General Paula T. Dow said this week that her office is encouraged by Toyota’s announced plan to address safety issues in its recalled vehicles and that her office and the Division of Consumer Affairs will monitor Toyota’s actions in carrying out the required repairs.

Any consumer who experiences issues in getting their recalled vehicle fixed by Toyota should contact the Division of Consumer Affairs and report the matter for investigation by the state.

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“Owners of the recalled Toyota vehicles are rightfully concerned about their safety,” Dow said. “Toyota has announced the actions it is taking to fix these recalled vehicles. My office and the Division of Consumer Affairs will be watching to ensure these actions are accomplished in a responsive and timely manner.”

In a letter to Dow sent last Friday, Toyota stated that it will provide relief to owners who do not want to drive their vehicles until the repair work is completed. This relief includes:

• Expediting scheduling of repairs to vehicles subject to the recalls;

• Pickup and return of the recalled vehicle by a dealer representative or by flatbed truck;

• Providing alternate transportation to the owner, such as a rental vehicle, loaner vehicle or taxi reimbursement; and/or

• Driving the owner to the dealership and/or to his/her place of work.

“The public’s safety is our first concern,” said Sharon Joyce, acting consumer affairs director. “We want this repair work to be performed correctly and as quickly as possible.”

The Division of Consumer Affairs has posted specific information on its web site about the vehicles included in Toyota’s announced recalls. This information can be seen at http://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/alert/toyota.pdf

Toyota has advised that consumers may contact the company at the following telephone numbers with any questions related to the announced recalls:

• Toyota owners, 1-800-331-4331
• Lexus owners, 1-800-255-3987

Toyota owners who believe their vehicles are among those recalled but who have not received notification from Toyota can call the telephone numbers for information.